United Fresh is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program. This program recognizes 25 outstanding retail produce managers for their innovative merchandising, produce-related community outreach, increased store sales and recognition among company peers.

The Retail Produce Manager Awards Program, sponsored by Dole Food Company and now in its 14th year, pays special recognition to produce managers on the front line in supermarkets working every day to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

“The ability to creatively merchandise the product, interact with the customers, and oversee the growth of not only the product, but the people within the department, is paramount,” noted Jeff Cady, Director of Produce/Floral at Tops Friendly Markets and Vice Chairman of the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board. “Produce is a vital part of our day to day business, and being able to undertake this and manage it successfully is something we truly appreciate and want to recognize in these individuals.”

Twenty five award winners, along with their corporate produce directors, will receive complimentary airfare, hotel accommodations and registration to United Fresh 2018, taking place June 25-27 in Chicago. The winners will be honored on Wednesday, June 27, where five grand prize winners will be announced as recipients of an additional $1,000 cash prize.

As one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, Dole Food Company, Inc., is proud to honor the produce managers who are driven to make a difference in our industry and the communities in which they live. “This is Dole’s fourth year as title sponsor of the United Fresh Produce Manager of the Year Award, and we could not be more proud to be a part of this important recognition program. These men and women do so much to promote the increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and this gives us an opportunity to recognize that contribution and genuinely say thank you,” said Tim Stejskal, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Sales for Dole Fresh Vegetables

Since the program’s inception, more than 300 produce managers from more than 100 different retail banners have been honored. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2018 program. Nomination forms may be accessed online at www.unitedfresh.org/rma and must be received by Friday January 12, 2018.

For more information about the program, including selection criteria and a list of past winners visit, www.unitedfresh.org/rma, or contact Jeff Oberman, United Fresh Vice President, Trade Relations at joberman@unitedfresh.org or 831.600.8922.

“As parents, we believe all families should have the best, which is why we’re creating a new standard in the baking aisle by delivering superior products that don’t compromise taste for values,” said Galit Laibow, CEO and Co-Founder of Foodstirs. “Having access and being able to give your family the best shouldn’t be determined by how much you can afford. We work relentlessly to source the most sustainable, pure and ethical ingredients for all of our mixes, in a way where the consumer always wins,” added Sarah Michelle Gellar, the company’s Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder. “We’re grateful for all of our new retail partners and their belief in our mission, and we can’t wait to help families from coast-to-coast upgrade their pantries,” said Greg Fleishman, COO and Co-Founder.

Foodstirs is establishing a new level of superiority in the category by being the first baking mix brand to use heirloom, identity-preserved flour, Biodynamic® sugar, and fair trade chocolate. Like all Foodstirs mixes, the four new baking mixes are accessibly priced at $4.99-$5.99 every day, and have an irresistible from-scratch taste that’s easy to whip up in six steps or less. Additional flavor details include:

Organic Snickerdoodle Blondie Mix

Organic Very Merry Gingerbread Cookie Mix

Organic Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix

Organic Pumpkin Spice Stacks Pancake Mix

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Flow Water Inc. has received its announced its official designation as a Certified B Corporation. Certified by global movement B Lab, Flow Water, which produces a naturally alkaline spring water, is being recognized as meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.

Flow originates in a company-owned artesian spring in Bruce County, Ontario, where it naturally collects healthy, essential minerals that give the water electrolytes for optimal hydration and an alkaline pH of 8.1 to keep acid levels in check. With no industrial processing and thus all-natural filtering, Flow’s water source goes straight from the earth into the pack. Packaged in an eco-friendly, non-PET and BPA-free, paperboard Tetra Pak carton, Flow has one of the lowest carbon footprint containers in the industry – 100 percent recyclable and up to 70 percent renewable.

“Receiving B Corp Certification further solidifies Flow Water as the environmental leader in the premium water category,” says Flow CEO and Founder Nicholas Reichenbach. “We’re extremely proud to receive this ethical seal of approval from B Lab, and to be recognized for Flow’s eco-innovation and practices.”

B Lab reviews all parts of a company’s business practices, including sustainability, labour practices, and philanthropy. Only 2,297 corporations worldwide have received B Corp certification to date, with Flow Water Inc. being the first Canadian company in the water industry, and one of only a few globally.

Flow is sold at retailers across North America, Including at Whole Foods across the USA, Gelson’s, Harmon’s, Natural Grocers/Vitamin Cottage, Earth Fare, Central Market, Jewel Osco, Safeway, Kowalski’s, Bristol Farms, and direct to consumer through Amazon. Flow is also available at strategic boutique fitness studios across North America and by milkman-style delivery in an eco-friendly electric vehicle through its direct service in select cities. Consumers can order and find more information about Flow Water at flowwater.com.